Community Forum Archive

The Epilepsy Community Forums are closed, and the information is archived. The content in this section may not be current or apply to all situations. In addition, forum questions and responses include information and content that has been generated by epilepsy community members. This content is not moderated. The information on these pages should not be substituted for medical advice from a healthcare provider. Experiences with epilepsy can vary greatly on an individual basis. Please contact your doctor or medical team if you have any questions about your situation. For more information, learn about epilepsy or visit our resources section.

Keppra(levetiracetam) and Dilantin(Phenytoin)

Sun, 12/15/2019 - 00:04
My father has suffered from seizures for the past month. From what is believed to be a brain lesion on his "right hand knob." He hasn't been diagnosed with epilepsy. His seizures are focal seizures with retained awareness. Where his right arm and now the right side of his mouth tremor. He has been prescribed a 750 mg levetiracetam 2x a day and was seizure free for about 10 days. They upped the levetiracetam to 1000 mg 2x a day and he was seizure free for 8 days. After that seizure, which we thought was severe enough for an ER visit, Phenytoin was prescribed in addition to the levetiracetam. The Phenytoin regimen is 300 mg 1x a day before bed. Since then he has had a seizure every morning 4 days in a row and on the 4th day he also had one in the afternoon. Is this common practice when figuring out the medication regimen? At what point should we become worried or decide a medication is ineffective?

Comments

Hi, Thank you for posting, it

Submitted by Anonymous on Mon, 2019-12-16 - 09:15
Hi, Thank you for posting, it sounds like you all have been through a lot. Treatment and how the body may react to certain medications varies for each individual. To learn more about medications he’staking and things to look for , please visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/treating-seizures-and-epilepsy/seizure-and-epilepsy-medicines/side-effectsIt’s important that you’re following- up with your father’s healthcare team to determine what individual treatment plan is best for him and if he continues to experience any changes in seizure frequency, seizure types, side effects, symptoms, and behaviors. You may want to consider having your father seeing an epileptologist (epilepsy specialist) or getting a second opinion. For information regarding second opinions, visit:  https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/diagnosis/you-and-your-healthcare-team/second-opinionsand assistance finding a specialist near you,visit: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/find-epilepsy-specialistYou all may also want to consider keeping a journal or diary. My Seizure Diary: https://www.epilepsy.com/living-epilepsy/epilepsy-foundation-my-seizure-diaryis a great tool for identifying & tracking seizures, setting reminders,managing medications & side effects, recording medical history, moods, behaviors, triggers,and other personal experiences, that may affect seizures and wellness, which can be shared with his healthcare team. Additionally, you may always contact our 24/7 Helpline, where trained information specialists are available to answer your questions, offer help, hope, support, guidance, and access to national and local resources. 1-800-332-1000, or contactus@efa.org. epilepsy.com/helpline

Sign Up for Emails

Stay up to date with the latest epilepsy news, stories from the community, and more.